TABLE 1.

DISEASES KNOWN TO BE SPREAD BY DROPLETS OR AEROSOLS.

DISEASE	METHOD OF TRANSMISSION
Pneumonic Plague	Patient to patient without the usual insect vector (flea); apparently by inhalation of the causative bacteria
Tuberculosis	Droplet nuclei expelled from the patient by coughing; once considered an occupational disease for dentists
Influenza	Apparently associated with coughing but may require direct contact with the patient
Legionnaires’ Disease	Aerosolization of Legionella pneumophila has been associated with air conditioning systems and hot tub spas
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome	Spread by direct contact and aerosolized droplets